ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People suffering from ADHD typically suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia.
medication for adult adhd can ease symptoms, but they can also cause side-effects like tics or slight growth decreases in children and adolescents. In addition, some people experience anxiety-related issues when taking stimulant medication.
Stimulants
Stimulants are used to treat ADHD and Narcolepsy. They are also popular among recreational drug users as stimulants and performance-enhancing substances because of their ability to increase energy, alertness and focus. You can find them in the form of tablets, capsules or chunky crystals. They are also available in brown or white dust. Large doses can lead to over-stimulation, resulting in anxiety and stomach cramps, panic, aggression and paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants may also lead to addiction and serious side effects such as heart problems high blood pressure, heart problems and stroke.
The drugs typically prescribed to treat ADHD have also proven track record for alleviating the symptoms of anxiety. They work by increasing the supply of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine that are generally less in people suffering from ADHD. This boosts activity and communication between brain regions that regulate the executive and attention functions. This results in an improvement in control of impulses and anxiety symptoms diminishing.
Research has shown that both atomoxetine as well as methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in people with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. Anxiety symptom improvement was seen from the fourth week of treatment for both medications and the effect was continued for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is crucial to remember that the kind of medication that is most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring disorders could depend on which disorder is more affecting a person's quality of life. For instance, someone may experience lots of anxious mini-crises on a daily basis while they rush to schedule appointments or to stay on top of projects for school or work. They can be extremely distressing and cause people to feel anxious on a more frequently than the symptoms of a particular anxiety or panic attack.
In these cases it is possible to treat anxiety-related symptoms using antidepressants or SSRIs which have been proven effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are taken orally and can take a long time to take effect. The most commonly used options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs) that include Sertraline, Fluoxetine, and serotonin, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine and venlafaxine. These drugs can be used together with cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety. They are particularly useful when a patient is suffering from high or racing heart rate.
SSRIs
SSRIs are antidepressants are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac is the first drug of this group, is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also effective in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic disorder. They are more adaptable and have less adverse negative effects than the older generation of antidepressants.
The SSRIs inhibit the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter within the synapse and signal the post synaptic cells more than would be the case otherwise. This may increase the output of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety. It may also lead to increased levels of the neuronal cyclic AMP (cAMP), which stimulates protein production.
SSRIs can also reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and reduce the agitation of some people with ADHD. However, these drugs can increase the risk of suicidal behavior and thoughts in some people. They can also trigger an increase in appetite and weight gain, particularly when they first begin.
The SNRIs are a distinct type of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. They also affect anxiety. They can improve the functioning of both the heart muscle and blood vessels. This can reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. They also can improve the mood of some individuals suffering from bipolar disorder.
The most popular SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), the venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). SNRIs could cause blood pressure to increase in certain individuals, so those with high blood pressure and heart disease should not take them.
In addition to medications, there are a number of behavioral treatments that can help with anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness-based techniques can be beneficial in reducing anxiety and stress as can yoga and meditation. Some people have found tapping specific points on their body, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques, can help reduce the cortisol hormone which causes anxiety. Diet and exercise can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may suggest that you consume whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and to avoid sugar as it can worsen anxiety for certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based drugs
While stimulants are very effective at treating ADHD and have been extensively researched however they are not the best choice for people with anxiety disorders and ADHD. The stimulant medications can trigger adverse effects like jitteriness and rapid heart rate. These symptoms can mimic or worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Non-stimulant drugs are a more recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 (under the brand name Strattera). They do not increase blood pressure or heart rate and are less likely to have anxiety-related side effects such as shaking, sweating, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine. It can help improve concentration and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also shown that it can effectively improve anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to find out whether atomoxetine reduced anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is another drug that can help with anxiety symptoms. It is a brain chemical, dopamine. Bupropion is usually prescribed to people who have ADHD and depression. It can also boost mood and lessen anxiety symptoms. It is often a good idea to try and address the root cause of anxiety before treating the ADHD because it can reduce anxiety symptoms.
In some instances anxiety symptoms in ADHD children can be the source of their anxiety. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral treatments are usually the most effective treatment options for anxiety in this type of situation. This is because these therapies tackle the root of the problem and decrease ADHD symptoms, which will in turn, decrease the anxiety.
Antidepressants can also be prescribed to patients suffering from ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which target the brain chemical serotonin, can help to relieve anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro and Sertraline.
The final decision of which medication is best for you will be decided by your doctor. Before recommending a medication, they will consider your lifestyle, symptoms, age, in addition to other health conditions. It is crucial to discuss with your doctor about your treatment goals and to stick to a daily routine while taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options could be beneficial in managing ADHD or anxiety, depending on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques), tapping sleep, nutrition, exercise, and healthy eating habits.
People with anxiety are more likely to develop symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder Dr. Hallowell says, which makes it difficult to treat both disorders at the same time. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, and then non-stimulant medications such as bupropion or atomoxetine to treat anxiety disorders. These medications are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances, as stimulants are.